SYSMEX R-3500, AUTOMATED RETICCULOCYTE ANALYZER, MODEL R-3500
Applicant
Sysmex Corp.
Product Code
GKL · Hematology
Decision Date
Nov 3, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 864.5200
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The intended use of the Sysmex R-3500 is as a fully automated reticulocyte analyzer for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical laboratories.
Device Story
The Sysmex R-3500 is an automated flow cytometry analyzer for clinical laboratories. It processes whole blood samples via four modes: sampler (auto), closed, manual, and capillary. The device aspirates, dilutes, and stains samples with Auramine-O fluorescent dye. An Argon laser illuminates the hydrodynamically focused cells; the system measures forward light scatter and fluorescence intensity. A computer algorithm performs adaptive cluster analysis on the scattergram to discriminate and enumerate reticulocytes, red blood cells, and platelets. The reticulocyte population is further categorized into low, middle, and high fluorescence ratios (LFR, MFR, HFR). The device outputs quantitative results and scattergrams to a data management system (DMS). Abnormalities are flagged for clinician review. The system includes a statistical quality control program. By providing precise reticulocyte counts and immature reticulocyte fractions, the device assists clinicians in evaluating erythropoietic activity and hematological status.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Correlation studies compared the R-3500 to the RAM-1 predicate using 487 patient samples covering healthy and pathological conditions. Results showed high correlation coefficients (r) for all parameters: RET# (0.994), RET% (0.997), RBC (0.998), IRF (0.956), LFR (0.956), MFR (0.923), HFR (0.954), and Platelets (0.994).
Technological Characteristics
Flow cytometry using Argon laser excitation and Auramine-O fluorescent staining. Hydrodynamic focusing. Parameters: RET%, RET#, RBC, IRF, LFR, MFR, HFR, PLT. Dimensions: 720x630x505 mm. Weight: 85.5 kg. Connectivity: Data Management System (DMS) with barcode reader. QC: Levy-Jennings, 15 files per parameter, 180 points per file.
Indications for Use
Indicated for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical laboratories for the automated analysis of whole blood samples to provide reticulocyte and red blood cell parameters, including RET%, RET#, RBC, IRF, LFR, MFR, HFR, and PLT.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An automated cell counter is a fully-automated or semi-automated device used to count red blood cells, white blood cells, or blood platelets using a sample of the patient's peripheral blood (blood circulating in one of the body's extremities, such as the arm). These devices may also measure hemoglobin or hematocrit and may also calculate or measure one or more of the red cell indices (the erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin, or the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration). These devices may use either an electronic particle counting method or an optical counting method.
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### 3 1998 NOV
# 510(k) Premarket Notification Sysmex™ Automated Reticulocyte Analyzer R-3500 May 31, 1998
## I. DEVICE NAME:
Trade or Proprietary Name: Sysmex™Automated Reticulocyte Analyzer R-3500
Automated Reticulocyte Analyzer Common or Usual Name:
## II. CLASSIFICATION NAMES:
| Automated Cell Counter | 81 GKL |
|---------------------------------|--------|
| Automated Cell Dilution Device | 81 GKH |
| Computer System Integrated with | |
| Hematology Analyzers | 81 JWS |
| | |
| Related Items: | |
| Diluent: RETSHEATH | 81 GIF |
| RETSEARCH diluent | 81 GIF |
| Stain: RETSEARCH dye | 81 KJK |
| Detergent: CELLCLEAN | 81JCB |
| Calibrators: | |
| Sysmex™Latex Particle-R | 81 KSA |
| Sysmex™SCS-Ret | 81 KSA |
| Accessories: | |
| Pneumatic Unit (PU-8) | NA |
| Sampler Unit (SU) | NA |
| Slide Preparation Unit (SP-100) | 81GKJ |
| Line Controller (LC-2) | NA |
| Conveyor Unit (CVR-1) | NA |
| Rack Slider (RS) | NA |
| Start Yard (STY) | NA |
| Stock Yard (SKY) | NA |
| Extended Conveyor (EC-1) | NA |
| Turn Unit (TU-1) | NA |
| Data Entry Unit (DE-2) | NA |
## III. ESTABLISHMENT INFORMATION:
| Location | Registration Number | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------|
| Manufacturer Site<br>TOA Medical Electronics Co.<br>Kobe, Japan | Owner/Operator No.<br>7010360 | Manufacturer No.<br>961466 |
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Importer & Distributor Registration Number Sysmex™ Corporation 1422681 Gilmer Road 6699 RFD Long Grove, IL 60047-9596
## IV. CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION:
Automated reticulocyte instruments have been classified by the Hematology and Pathology Devices Panel as Class II devices.
The Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) Parameter is a Class III parameter that has already been cleared for all Sysmex™ R-Series Analyzers (see 510(k) submission #K971736).
## V. COMPLIANCE WITH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
To date, no performance standards which affect this device have been finalized under Section 514 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
## VI. PROPOSED LABELING:
A draft copy of the proposed labeling, Operator's Manual, Reagent Labeling and Sales Brochures are included.
### VII. SUMMARY
Complete information on the Safety and Effectiveness Summary is included in Attachment 3.
#### DESCRIPTION VIII.
The Sysmex™ R-3500 is an automated reticulocyte analyzer intended for in vitro use in clinical laboratories.
The R-3500 provides accurate and precise test results for 8 analysis parameters in whole blood. These include RET%, RET#, RBC, IRF, LFR, MFR, HFR, and PLT.
The R-3500 processes approximately 120 samples per hour and displays and prints the data for Reticulocyte number, Reticulocyte percent, Red blood cell count, Immature reticulocyte fraction, fluorescent ratios, and platelets along with representative scattergrams. Sample abnormalities are indicated by abnormal marks, flags, and error messages which appear on the DMS display screen and on the printout. This is an indication that the sample is not within the acceptable range and requires further review and investigation.
The R-3500 uses the principle of flow cytometry for reticulocyte analysis. In the instrument, a whole blood sample is automatically aspirated, diluted and stained with a fluorescent dye (Auromine-O). The sample is hydrodynamically focused into a narrow path and passed through a flow cell, where it is illuminated by an Argon laser beam. The
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cells present in the sample will fluoresce and scatter light to varying degrees. It is the analysis of the intensity of emitted fluorescent light and intensity of scattered light which allows the R-3500 analyzer to detect and enumerate reticulocytes.
A computer algorithm discriminates the different populations of cells based on the intensity of light scatter and fluorescence, and displays this on a scattergram. The red blood cells, platelets and reticulocytes are separated by means of adaptive cluster analysis of the scattergram. The reticulocyte region of the scattergram is divided into three regions based on fluorescence intensity. These areas are called the low, middle and high fluorescence ratios (LFR, MFR and HFR), and are expressed as a ratio or percentage (sum = 100) of the total reticulocyte count. The immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) is equal to the MFR+HFR.
The R-3500 provides four modes of sample introduction: 1) Sampler (auto) Mode, 2) Closed Mode, 3) Manual Mode and 4) Capillary Mode. The Sampler mode is completely automated; closed tubes are placed in the auto mode racks, and are automatically moved through the system. Whole blood is aspirated automatically via a cap piercing system. The Closed Mode also uses the cap piercing system, but samples are analyzed one at a time. In the Manual (open) Mode, the sample tube cap is opened and the sample is aspirated through the sample probe. The Capillary Mode allows for the use of smaller volume samples such as obtained from a child. In this mode, a blood sample is diluted before analysis is performed.
Operator interface with the R-3500 is accomplished with the use of a data management system (DMS), as well as a main unit control panel keypad.
The R-3500 has a quality control (QC) program which performs statistical QC. The R-3500 maintains the reliability of analyzed data by monitoring the stability of the system (instrument and reagents) over a laboratory-defined interval. This type of QC refers to statistical calculations performed on control blood. In the QC program, QC data for each analysis parameter is obtained by analyzing control blood and storing the results in a QC file. The instrument provides 15 QC files for each test parameter, including 2 troubleshooting (alignment) parameters. Each OC file stores the latest 180 points.
There are disposables and consumables associated with the system which are required for its normal operation.
To keep the R-3500 in optimal operating conditions, periodic maintenance is required.
### IX. SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE:
The R-3500 is substantially equivalent in intended use and technological characteristics to the Sysmex™ SE/RAM-1 and Sysmex™ R-3000. A summary of the comparative features is presented in Table 1.
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## Table 1 Comparative Features between R-3500 and RAM-1/R-3000
| Features | R-3500 | SE/RAM-1<br>K964375 | R-3000<br>K912494 |
|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| FDA Clearance Date | | Mar. 13, 1997 | Sept. 10, 1991 |
| Intended Use | Automated<br>reticulocyte counter<br>for in vitro diagnostic<br>use in clinical<br>laboratories | Automated<br>hematology and<br>reticulocyte analyzer<br>for in vitro diagnostic<br>use in clinical<br>laboratories | Automated<br>reticulocyte counter<br>for in vitro diagnostic<br>use in clinical<br>laboratories |
| Sample Type | Whole blood | Whole blood | Whole blood |
| Sample Volume | 250µL Sampler mode<br>100 µL Manual mode<br>40µL whole blood for<br>capillary dilution | 250µL Sampler Mode<br>125µL Manual Mode<br>40µL whole blood for<br>capillary dilution | 100µL Sampler Mode<br>100µL Manual Mode<br>40µL whole blood for<br>capillary dilution |
| Performance | Similar to R-3000 and<br>RAM-I | Proven performance;<br>see #K964375 | Proven performance;<br>see #K912494 |
| Parameters | RET%, RET#, RBC#,<br>IRF, LFR, MFR,<br>HFR, PLT | RET%, RET#, RBC#,<br>IRF, LFR, MFR,<br>HFR, PLT | RET%, RET#, RBC#,<br>IRF, LFR, MFR, HFR |
| Reagents | RETSHEATH,<br>RETSEARCH diluent<br>and dye | Same | Same |
| Principles | Flow cytometry using<br>argon laser,<br>Auramine-O dye,<br>sheath flow.<br>Detection of forward<br>fluorescence and<br>scatter | Same | Same |
| Dimensions<br>(HxWxD) (mm) | 720x630x505 | 720x400x505 | 645x600x618 |
| Weight (kg) | 85.5 | 50 | 66 |
| QC System | Levy-Jennings,<br>SD,CV<br>15 Files per<br>Parameter, 180data<br>points per file | Levy-Jennings,<br>SD,CV<br>12 Files per Parameter<br>180data points per<br>file | Levy-Jennings,<br>SD,CV<br>6 Files per Parameter,<br>60 data points per file |
| Bar Code | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No. of Test per Hour | Approximately 120 | Approximately 80 | Approximately 60 |
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## X. COMPARISON TO PREDICATE DEVICE
Data to support substantial equivalence to the predicate device were generated during correlation studies performed at our research center. In these studies, the following comparative performance evaluations were conducted using the proposed device and the predicate device to evaluate specimens from apparently healthy individuals and from patients with different pathological conditions which are expected to affect the results for particular parameters. Refer to Table 2 for a summary of the correlation studies.
| Parameter | n | r | r2 | Regression Equation |
|-----------|-----|-------|-------|---------------------|
| RET# | 487 | 0.994 | 0.988 | y = 0.965x + 0.001 |
| RET% | 487 | 0.997 | 0.994 | y = 0.964x + 0.051 |
| RBC | 486 | 0.998 | 0.997 | y = 1.009x - 0.072 |
| IRF | 486 | 0.956 | 0.913 | y = 0.948x + 1.409 |
| LFR | 486 | 0.956 | 0.913 | y = 0.948x + 3.819 |
| MFR | 486 | 0.923 | 0.852 | y = 0.917x + 1.433 |
| HFR | 486 | 0.954 | 0.910 | y = 0.940x + 0.490 |
| Platelet | 482 | 0.994 | 0.989 | y = 0.937x + 10.619 |
| Table 2 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Summary of Method Comparison Studies between<br>R-3500 and RAM-1 |
#### XI. HAZARD ANALYSIS:
A copy of the hazard analysis is provided as Attachment 8 of this submission.
#### XII. APPLICANT ADDRESS:
Sysmex Corporation Gilmer Road 6699 RFD Long Grove, IL 60047-9596
#### CONTACT PERSON: XIII.
Cathy Trester, MT(ASCP), Clinical Regulatory Specialist Clinical and Regulatory Affairs Sysmex Corporation Gilmer Road 6699 RFD Long Grove, IL 60047-9596 Phone: 847-726-3662 847-726-3505 FAX: Internet: tresterc@sysmex.com
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# XIV. MANUFACTURING FACILITY:
TOA Medical Electronics Co. Ltd. Japan Kobe, Japan
.
### SOFTWARE CERTIFICATION XVI.
A copy of the software certification is included as Attachment 9.
,
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Image /page/6/Picture/2 description: The image is a black and white logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features the department's emblem, which is a stylized representation of a human figure embracing a sphere. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the emblem.
#### NOV 3 1998
Ms. Catherine Trester, MT (ASCP) Clinical and Requlatory Affairs SYSMEX™ Corporation Gilmer Road, 6699 RFD Long Grove, Illinois 60047-9596
Re : K981950 | SI Sysmex™ R-3500 Automated Reticulocyte Analyzer Trade Name: Requlatory Class: III Product Code: GKL Dated: Auqust 19, 1998 Received: August 20, 1998
Dear Ms. Trester:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual reqistration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance to 895. with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
Food and Drug Administration 2098 Gaither Road Rockville MD 20850
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Page 2
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a leqally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling requlation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4588. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the requlation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification"(21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597, or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Steven Putman
Steven I. Gutman, M.D., M.B.A. Director Division of Clinical Laboratory Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radioloqical Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: Sysmex ™ Automated Reticulocyte Analyzer R-3500
### Indications For Use:
The intended use of the Sysmex R-3500 is as a fully automated reticulocyte analyzer for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical laboratories.
## (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE- CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CHRD, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Clinical Laboratory Devic 510(k) Number
**Presription Use**
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use __
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
000011
. ﺃ
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.